The Cross River State Police Command has successfully recovered a stolen Toyota Camry, thwarting an attempt by suspected armed robbers to remove the vehicle from Calabar.

The incident took place on Sunday night, October 5, 2025, involving a grey Toyota Camry with registration number YAD 549 ER, owned by Mr. Ikyum Mark of Etta Agbor Layout. The vehicle was reportedly taken at gunpoint near Hall 2, close to the University of Calabar.

According to PUNCH, Police sources stated that the victim promptly reported the theft to the Anti-Cultism Base, which immediately issued a radio alert to the control room and all night patrol units. The alert proved effective when officers from Operation Sting, stationed at the Pamol checkpoint along the Calabar–Odukpani Highway, noticed the stolen vehicle approaching their post.

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Reports indicate that the suspects attempted to evade police during a stop-and-search, triggering a pursuit. The robbers eventually abandoned the car and fled into a nearby bush under the cover of darkness.

The recovered vehicle has been secured at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as investigations into the incident continue.

Speaking on Monday in Calabar, Commissioner of Police Rashid Afegbua praised the officers for their swift response and highlighted the importance of timely reporting by residents in combatting crime.

“Quick information from the public often determines how fast the police can respond and disrupt criminal activity,” Afegbua said. He further assured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and encouraged continued cooperation with security agencies.

In a related statement, Police Public Relations Officer SP Irene Ugbo reaffirmed the command’s dedication to fighting crime and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security personnel.

Earlier this year, on April 10, 2025, the Cross River State Government condemned an attempted theft and vandalism of public transformers in Obudu, calling the act “reprehensible” and a direct attack on resources intended for the benefit of all citizens.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Gilbert Agbor, conveyed this in a statement released to journalists in Calabar. Governor Bassey Otu expressed concern over the incident and urged residents to remain alert, encouraging them to report any suspicious activity involving public assets to the Department of Asset Management and Recovery at the Governor’s Office.